Daily Readings - Wed May 15 2019
Acts
1Now there were, in the Church at Antioch, prophets and teachers, among whom were Barnabas, and Simon, who was called the Black, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manahen, who was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul2Now as they were ministering for the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them: "Separate Saul and Barnabas for me, for the work for which I have selected them.3Then, fasting and praying and imposing their hands upon them, they sent them away4And having been sent by the Holy Spirit, they went to Seleucia. And from there they sailed to Cyprus5And when they had arrived at Salamis, they were preaching the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they also had John in the ministry
John
44But Jesus cried out and said: "Whoever believes in me, does not believe in me, but in him who sent me45And whoever sees me, sees him who sent me46I have arrived as a light to the world, so that all who believe in me might not remain in darkness47And if anyone has heard my words and not kept them, I do not judge him. For I did not come so that I may judge the world, but so that I may save the world48Whoever despises me and does not accept my words has one who judges him. The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him on the last day49For I am not speaking from myself, but from the Father who sent me. He gave a commandment to me as to what I should say and how I should speak50And I know that his commandment is eternal life. Therefore, the things that I speak, just as the Father has said to me, so also do I speak.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter the vibrant life of the early Church and the profound teachings of Jesus. The first reading from Acts describes the thriving community in Antioch, where prophets and teachers, including Barnabas and Saul, are ministering. The Holy Spirit interrupts their fasting and prayer, calling them to set aside Saul and Barnabas for a special mission. This moment marks the beginning of the first great missionary journey, as they are sent forth by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God in Cyprus. The reading highlights the Church’s openness to the Spirit’s guidance and its readiness to respond to God’s call, even when it means letting go of familiar faces.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus as the Light of the world, emphasizing that faith in Him is faith in the Father who sent Him. Jesus clarifies that He did not come to judge but to save, and that those who reject Him will be judged by His words on the last day. This passage underscores the urgency of responding to God’s Word and the eternal consequences of accepting or rejecting it. Jesus’ words are not His own but come from the Father, and they are a path to eternal life.
These readings remind us that our lives are not our own but are part of a larger mission. Like the early Church, we are called to listen to the Holy Spirit and be open to where God is leading us. Jesus’ words challenge us to examine how we receive and live out His teachings in our daily lives. Are we reflecting His light in the world, or are we allowing darkness to prevail? Let us ask for the grace to be faithful stewards of the Word, trusting in God’s plan and allowing His light to shine through us.